Wireless acquisition of digital video images

ABSTRACT

A system can include a first transmitter unit having a first communication engine that controls a first local network, where the first transmitter unit is positioned at a first location. The system can also include a first remote device communicably coupled, using the first local network, to the first transmitter unit. The system can further include a receiver unit having a second communication engine that controls a second local network, where the receiver unit is positioned at a second location. The system can also include a smart device having an application that is communicably coupled, using the second local network, to the receiver unit. The system can further include a bridge network that wirelessly communicably couples the first transmitter unit to the receiver unit. The first local network and the second local network are wireless networks.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/753,077, titled “Methods,Systems, and Devices For Wirelessly Acquiring a Digital Video Image” andfiled on Jan. 16, 2013, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

This application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/819,016, titled “Methods,Systems, and Devices For Wirelessly Acquiring a Digital Video Image” andfiled on May 3, 2013, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to transferring digital images,and more particularly, to the wireless transmission of digital images.

BACKGROUND

Spotting scopes allow users to view different subjects clearly from adistance in a number of different applications (e.g., surveillance,nature-watching, shooting, general long distance observation).Traditional optics-based spotting scopes have limits in the distancesthat can be seen clearly. For example, the distances at which an objectis located relative to a spotting scope can simply be too great for aportable scope to be able to see with any usable resolution. As anotherexample, an optics-based spotting scope may require a line-of-sight fromthe scope to the target. Thus acquisition of the target may not beachievable using a traditional spotting scope.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a system. Thesystem can include a first transceiver unit having a first communicationengine that controls a first local network, where the first transceiverunit is positioned at a first location. The system can also include afirst remote device communicably coupled, using the first local network,to the first transceiver unit. The system can further include a secondtransceiver unit having a second communication engine that controls asecond local network, where the second transceiver unit is positioned ata second location. The system can also include a smart device having anapplication that is communicably coupled, using the second localnetwork, to the second transceiver unit. The system can further includea bridge network that wirelessly communicably couples the firsttransceiver unit to the second transceiver unit. The first local networkand the second local network can be wireless networks. In anotheraspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a method for providingdownrange information. The method can include collecting, using a firstremote device, the downrange information, and transmitting, using afirst local network, the downrange information collected by the firstremote device from the first remote device to a first transceiver unit.The method can also include wirelessly transmitting, using a bridgenetwork, the downrange information from the transmitter unit to a secondtransceiver unit. The method can further include transferring, using asecond local network, the downrange information from the receiver unitto a smart device. The downrange information can be processed using anapplication on the smart device.

In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a method forcontrolling a downrange device. The method can include sending, using anapplication on a smart device and a first local network, instructionsfrom the smart device to a first transceiver unit. The method can alsoinclude wirelessly transmitting, using a bridge network, theinstructions from the first transceiver unit to a second transceiverunit, where the first transceiver unit is located remotely from thesecond transceiver unit. The method can further include sending, using asecond local network, the instructions from the second transceiver unitto the downrange device. The downrange device can be controlled usingthe instructions.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will beapparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments of wirelessly acquiringdigital video images and are therefore not to be considered limiting ofits scope, as wirelessly acquiring digital video images may admit toother equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown inthe drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placedupon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments.Additionally, certain dimensions or positionings may be exaggerated tohelp visually convey such principles. In the drawings, referencenumerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical,elements.

FIG. 1 shows an example communication system for wirelessly acquiringdigital video images in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a system diagram of an example transceiver for wirelesslyacquiring digital video images in accordance with certain exampleembodiments.

FIG. 3 shows a system diagram of another example transceiver forwirelessly acquiring digital video images in accordance with one or moreexample embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows another example communication system for wirelesslyacquiring digital video images in accordance with one or more exampleembodiments.

FIG. 5 shows yet another example communication system for wirelesslyacquiring digital video images in accordance with one or more exampleembodiments.

FIG. 6 shows a computing device in accordance with one or more exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method for providing downrange informationin accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a method for controlling a remote device inaccordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments of wirelessly acquiring digital video images willnow be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.Like, but not necessarily the same or identical, elements in the variousfigures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. In thefollowing detailed description of the example embodiments, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a more thoroughunderstanding of the disclosure herein. However, it will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments herein maybe practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known features have not been described in detail to avoidunnecessarily complicating the description. As used herein, a length, awidth, and height can each generally be described as lateral directions.

Generally, example embodiments described herein allow a user to remotelycommunicate with one or more remote devices. Example embodimentsdescribed herein can be used in a number of applications that may or maynot apply to wirelessly acquiring digital video images. For example,example embodiments can be used on gun ranges (e.g., private, public,government). More specifically, example embodiments can be used, forexample, to show where a target was hit for a shooter on a gun range (asfor scoring in a competition) and/or to change a spent target for a newtarget on a gun range. As another example, example embodiments can beused while hunting. More specifically, example embodiments can be used,for example, to create a perimeter watch, to focus on a target area, andto seek a different target. A digital video image as described hereincan be one or more discrete still pictures capturing an image or aseries of consecutive pictures (e.g., a movie, a live feed) capturingthe image.

As yet another example, example embodiments can be used by lawenforcement. More specifically, example embodiments can be used forsurveillance (as on stake-outs) and traffic monitoring. As still afurther example, example embodiments can be used by a number of entities(law enforcement, private security) for security. More specifically,example embodiments can be used to monitor an area and/or perimeter.While the example embodiments described herein are directed to certainapplications (e.g., hunting, target range shooting, surveillance,security), example embodiments can also be used for other types ofapplications (e.g., remote monitoring and/or control). Therefore,example wirelessly acquiring digital video images described hereinshould not be considered limited to the embodiments specificallydescribed herein.

In addition, or in the alternative, example embodiments can be used tocontrol one or more remote devices (also called downrange devices) toaid in wirelessly acquiring digital video images. For example, exampleembodiments can allow a user to control a position (e.g., redirect(pan), tilt, zoom) of a camera or other remote device for wirelesslyacquiring digital video images. As another example, example embodimentscan allow a user to turn on a light source to aid in capturing a digitalvideo image of a target. As yet another example, example embodiments canallow a user to change and/or reset a shooting target on a gun range.

As described herein, a user may be any person that interacts with anexample system and/or device for wirelessly acquiring a digital videoimage. Examples of a user may include, but are not limited to, a hunter,security personnel, law enforcement personnel, a target shooter, anengineer, an electrician, an instrumentation and controls technician, amechanic, an operator, a consultant, a contractor, an employee, and amanufacturer's representative. Further, a transceiver can transmitand/or receive signals. In other words, a transceiver can act as both atransmitter and a receiver.

FIG. 1 shows an example communication system 100 for wirelesslyacquiring digital video images in accordance with certain exampleembodiments. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the featuresshown in FIG. 1 may be omitted, repeated, and/or substituted.Accordingly, embodiments of communication systems for wirelesslyacquiring digital video images should not be considered limited to thespecific arrangements of components shown in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the communication system 100 in this exampleincludes a transceiver 110 (also called a transceiver unit), atransceiver 120 (also called a transceiver unit), a wireless network 150(also called a bridge network) communicatively coupled to thetransceiver 110 and the transceiver 120, and a user device 130communicably coupled to the transceiver 120 using a network link 155.Details of the transceiver 110 are discussed below with respect to FIG.2, and details of the transceiver 120 are discussed below with respectto FIG. 3. The transceiver 110 can have its own local network 115, andthe transceiver 120 can have its own local network 125.

In certain example embodiments, the bridge network 150 (also called awireless fidelity or WiFi network) is a wireless network thatcommunicably couples the transceiver 110 and the transceiver 120 over arelatively long distance compared to the scope of the local network 115and the local network 125. The bridge network 150 can be created by twohigh power directional access points that are in access point bridgemode with dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) enabled, enablingboth the wireless interconnection of these access points and the abilityto share data with locally connected devices. The use of DHCP by thebridge network 150 can be one or more of a number of protocols used totransfer information (data) between the transceiver 110 and thetransceiver 120. The bridge network 150 can, in some cases, have a lineof sight between the transceiver 110 and the transceiver 120. In such acase, the distance between the transceiver 110 and the transceiver 120can be greater than if the bridge network 150 is generally broadcast (noline of sight).

The local network 115 can be a sub network of the bridge network 150.Alternatively, the local network 115 can be a separate network from thebridge network 150. As yet another alternative, the local network 115can be the same network as the bridge network 150 but have a differentDHCP address range. The local network 115 can use a wireless and/orwired technology. The local network 115 can use DHCP or some otherprotocol, where the protocol has a range. The local network 115 canallow a user to transfer data to and/or receive data from thetransceiver 110.

Similarly, the local network 125 can be a sub network of the bridgenetwork 150. Alternatively, the local network 125 can be a separatenetwork from the bridge network 150. As yet another alternative, thelocal network 125 can be the same network as the bridge network 150 andthe local network 115 but have a different DHCP address range. The localnetwork 125 can use a wireless and/or wired technology. The localnetwork 125 can use DHCP or some other protocol, where the protocol hasa range. The DHCP range for the protocol of the local network 125 can bethe same or different than the range for the DHCP protocol of the localnetwork 115 to prevent miscommunication within the system.

The local network 125 can allow a user to transfer data to and/orreceive data from the transceiver 120. In certain example embodiments,if one of the local networks (e.g., local network 125) does not useDHCP, then the other local network (e.g., local network 115) does useDHCP. Using DHCP (or other similar protocols) in one or more of thelocal networks (e.g., local network 115, local network 125) can allow auser to more easily transition between local network 115 and localnetwork 125, reducing the risk for an error in data transfer between thelocal networks.

The user device 130 is a mobile computing device that includes a userinterface (e.g., display, keyboard, mouse, voice recognition), ahardware processor, and a communication engine that communicates withthe transceiver 120 and/or the transceiver 110 using the network link155. The network link 155 allows the user, using the user device 130, tosend data (e.g., instructions) to and/or receive data (e.g., digitalimages) from the transceiver 120 and/or the transceiver 110. The networklink 155 can use wired and/or wireless technology to allow communicationbetween the user device 130 and the transceiver 120 and/or thetransceiver 110. The network link 155 can be configured such that theuser device 130 must be in range of a local network (e.g., local network115, local network 125) for the user device 130 to communicate with thetransceiver 120 and/or the transceiver 110. Examples of a user device130 can include, but are not limited to, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet, a digital watch, and a personal digital assistant.

In certain example embodiments, the range of the local network 115 andthe range of the local network 125 is represented by the respectiveboundaries shown in FIG. 1. If a user device 130 is located outside therange of either of these local networks, the user device 130 may not beable to communicate with the transceiver 120 and/or the transceiver 110.For example, the range of the local network 115 and the range of thelocal network 125 can each be approximately 25 or 50 feet. By contrast,the range of the bridge network 150 can be approximately one mile (e.g.,if there is a clear line of site between the access points of thetransceiver 110 and the transceiver 120). Alternatively, the range ofthe bridge network 150 can be less than one mile or more than one mile.

FIG. 2 shows a system diagram of an example transceiver 110 forwirelessly acquiring digital video images in accordance with certainexample embodiments. In one or more embodiments, one or more of thefeatures shown in FIG. 2 may be omitted, repeated, and/or substituted.Accordingly, embodiments of communication systems for a transceiver forwirelessly acquiring digital video images should not be consideredlimited to the specific arrangements of components shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the transceiver 110 of FIG. 2 can includeone or more remote devices 240 (also called downrange devices), acommunication engine 250, an antenna 260, one or more switches (e.g.,switch 272, switch 274, switch 278), a protection circuit 210, a poweroutlet 230, a power supply 220, and an alignment device 270. In certainexample embodiments, each remote device 240 is a device that receivesdata (e.g., instructions) and/or sends data (e.g., digital images). Theremote device 240 can be perform active functions (e.g., remove a spentshooting target, install a fresh target, turn on a light) and/or performpassive functions (e.g., capture digital images, collect weather data,keep time). Regardless of the type of functions performed by a remotedevice 240, such remote device 240 can send and/or receive signals.

The data can be sent and/or received by the remote device 240 throughthe local network 115 controlled by the communication engine 250. Theremote device 240 can be positioned within, on, and/or remote from ahousing of the transceiver 110. Examples of a remote device 240 caninclude, but are not limited to, a camera (e.g., a pan-tilt-zoom camera,an infrared camera, an internet protocol (IP) camera, a camera withnight vision capability), a target changer, a light source, a motionsensor, and a wind gauge. The remote device 240 can be communicablycoupled to the communication engine 250. Further, the remote device 240can be electrically coupled to the protection circuit 210, describedbelow, to receive power that the remote device 240 may need to operate.

In applications where the remote device 240 is a camera, the camera canhave a powerful lens (e.g., a 25 mm lens) that allows the remote device240 to focus in closer and provide more detail of the object whose imageis being captured. In such a case, the zoom and/or direction of the lensof the camera (remote device 240) can be adjustable and controlled bythe user during setup. Having a stronger camera lens allows thetransceiver unit 120 to be set further back from the target andminimizes the risk of being hit with splatter or other debris (as in ahunting application) while down range and proximate to the target. Thislens in the camera can be replaceable with other lenses, depending onthe application.

In certain example embodiments, the communication engine 250 of thetransceiver 110 controls the local network 115 (as described above) andthe position of the antenna 260. The communication engine 250 can alsofacilitate the transfer of data between (is communicably coupled to)each remote device 240 and the transceiver 120, as described below withrespect to FIG. 3. The communication engine 250 can be, or can include,a server. The communication engine 250 can be electrically coupled tothe protection circuit 210 to receive power that the communicationengine 250 may need to operate.

The communication engine 250 can include a high power directional accesspoint to create the wireless bridge network 150 between the transceiver110 and the transceiver 120. In addition, or in the alternative, thecommunication engine 250 can include an omnidirectional access point(using, for example, a DHCP server), which allows a user to communicatewith the remote device 240.

The antenna 260 can provide control for directing the bridge network150. For example, if the antenna 260 is pointed generally toward thetransceiver 120 (or, more specifically, toward the antenna 360 of thetransceiver 120), than the bridge network 150 can allow the transceiver110 and the transceiver 120 to effectively communicate (send and receivedata) over a greater distance than without the antenna 260. The antenna260 can be stand-alone. Alternatively, the antenna 260 can be integratedwith the communication engine 250. The antenna 260 can have a fixed orvariable length.

In certain example embodiments, the protection circuit 210 protects thepower supply 220 and/or the power outlet 230 from adverse electricalconditions (e.g., power surge, ground fault). In addition, or in thealternative, the protection circuit 210 can protect the communicationengine 250 and/or the remote device 240 from such adverse electricalconditions. The protection circuit 210 can control one or more switches(e.g., switch 272, switch 274) based on one or more thresholds (e.g.,current, temperature) being exceeded. One or more switches can also beoperated manually or remotely. For example, optional switch 278 can be aradio frequency-controlled power switch, controlled by a user, thatallows the protection circuit 210 to receive power from the power supply220. Each switch can be used to control power and/or control to one ormore components of the transceiver 110.

The protection circuit 210 can include one or more of a number ofdiscrete components (e.g., resistors, capacitors), an integratedcircuit, a combination of software and hardware, some other part, or anycombination thereof. The protection circuit 210 can have one or morethresholds that, once exceeded (too high, too low), cause the protectioncircuit 210 to operate a switch. The thresholds of the protectioncircuit 210 can be set and/or modified by default, by a user,automatically, and/or by some other mechanism. The thresholds of theprotection circuit 210 can be set and/or modified remotely or at theprotection circuit 210.

The power supply 220 can provide power, through the protection circuit210, to one or more components (e.g., remote device 240, communicationengine 250) of the transceiver 110. The power supply 220 can beelectrically coupled to the protection circuit 210. The power supply 220can be one or more of a number of types of power source, including butnot limited to a battery pack and a photovoltaic solar system. The powersupply 220 can be rechargeable, which allows the power supply 220 to becharged evenly and prevents the power supply 220 from discharging tooquickly and/or from having a charge that is too low.

The power outlet 230 can be electrically coupled to the protectioncircuit 210. The power outlet 230 can be a type of receptacle (e.g., a120 volt outlet) that electrically couples to a source of external power(e.g., a battery, a house circuit). In certain example embodiments, thepower received by the power outlet 230 can be used for providing powerto one or more components of the transceiver 110. For example, the powerreceived by the power outlet 230 can be used to charge the power source220 (e.g., battery pack).

The alignment device 270 can be electrically coupled to the protectioncircuit 210. In certain example embodiments, the alignment device 270can also be communicably coupled to the communication engine 250. Thealignment device 270 can be one or more devices that assist a user inremotely sending instructions to a remote device 240 so that the remotedevice 240 provides useful information (data) to the user. Examples ofan alignment device 270 can include, but are not limited to, a laser, asensor, and a ruler. The alignment device 270 can be a remote device 240of the transceiver 110.

FIG. 3 shows a system diagram of another example transceiver 120 forwirelessly acquiring digital video images in accordance with one or moreexample embodiments. In one or more embodiments, one or more of thefeatures shown in FIG. 3 may be omitted, repeated, and/or substituted.Accordingly, embodiments of communication systems for a transceiver forwirelessly acquiring digital video images should not be consideredlimited to the specific arrangements of components shown in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the example transceiver 120 of FIG. 3 caninclude a communication engine 350, an antenna 360, one or more switches(e.g., switch 372), a protection circuit 310, a power supply 220, apower outlet 230, and a smart device outlet 380. Except as describedbelow, the components of the transceiver 120 are substantially the sameas the corresponding components of the transceiver 110 described abovewith respect to FIG. 2. For example, the communication engine 350 of thetransceiver 120 can be substantially the same communication engine 250of the transceiver 110.

In certain example embodiments, the smart device outlet 380 iselectrically and/or communicably coupled to the communication engine 350and/or the protection circuit 310. The smart device outlet 380 can be atype of receptacle (e.g., a universal serial bus port) that electricallycouples to a smart device 130. When a smart device 130 is coupled to thetransceiver 120 using the smart device outlet 380, the smart device 130can receive power and/or data. In certain example embodiments, the powerreceived by the smart device 130 through the smart device outlet 380 canbe used for providing power to, and/or charging a battery of, the smartdevice 130. In addition, or in the alternative, a smart device outletcan also be part of one or more transceivers 110.

FIG. 4 shows another example communication system 400 for wirelesslyacquiring digital video images in accordance with one or more exampleembodiments. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the featuresshown in FIG. 4 may be omitted, repeated, and/or substituted.Accordingly, embodiments of communication systems for wirelesslyacquiring digital video images should not be considered limited to thespecific arrangements of components shown in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the communication system 400 is similar to thesystem 100 of FIG. 1 above, except that the example system 400 of FIG. 4includes a total of four transceivers (transceiver 410, transceiver 411,transceiver 412, and transceiver 413), each having a local network(local network 415, local network 416, local network 417, and localnetwork 418). In certain example embodiments, each transceiver in FIG. 4is substantially similar to the transceiver 110 described above withrespect to FIG. 2. Alternately, the system 400 can include twotransceivers, three transceivers, or more than four transceivers.

Each transceiver of the system 400 in FIG. 4 can be communicably coupledto the transceiver 420 (which can have its own local network 425,substantially similar to the transceiver 120 described above withrespect to FIG. 3) by a bridge network. Specifically, the transceiver410 can be communicably coupled to the transceiver 420 using bridgenetwork 450; the transceiver 411 can be communicably coupled to thetransceiver 420 using bridge network 451; the transceiver 412 can becommunicably coupled to the transceiver 420 using bridge network 452;and the transceiver 413 can be communicably coupled to the transceiver420 using bridge network 453. Each bridge network shown in FIG. 4 can bethe same or different than the other bridge networks shown in FIG. 4.

The system 400 can be used in one or more of a number of applications.For example, system 400 can be used in competitive shooting applications(as for scoring), in military training, in surveillance applications,and/or in hunting applications (as to watch game traffic around theuser). In certain example embodiments, one or more of the transceiverunits may not include a local network. In some cases, one or more of thetransceiver units can be set up and left because such a transceiver unit(and its associated remote device(s)) do not need much or any adjustmentor other control by a remote user. In such cases, a transceiver may nothave an accessible network.

FIG. 5 shows yet another example communication system 500 for wirelesslyacquiring digital video images in accordance with one or more exampleembodiments. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the featuresshown in FIG. 5 may be omitted, repeated, and/or substituted.Accordingly, embodiments of communication systems for wirelesslyacquiring digital video images should not be considered limited to thespecific arrangements of components shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the communication system 500 is similar to thesystem 100 of FIG. 1 above, except that the example system 500 of FIG. 5includes a total of four transceivers (transceiver 510, transceiver 511,transceiver 512, and transceiver 513) that are communicably coupled toeach other by local networks (local network 515, local network 516, andlocal network 517). In certain example embodiments, each transceiver inFIG. 5 is substantially similar to the transceiver 110 described abovewith respect to FIG. 2. Alternately, the system 500 can include twotransceivers, three transceivers, or more than four transceivers.

While the transceiver 510 of the system 500 in FIG. 5 can becommunicably coupled to the transceiver 420 (which can have its ownlocal network 425, substantially similar to the transceiver 120described above with respect to FIG. 3) by the bridge network 550, eachof the other transceivers (transceiver 511, transceiver 515, andtransceiver 513) is communicably coupled to transceiver 510 using localnetworks rather than to the transceiver 520. In other words, onlytransceiver 510 is communicably coupled to the transceiver 520 in thesystem 500. In this case, transceiver 510 can be communicably coupled totransceiver 511 using local network 515; transceiver 510 can becommunicably coupled to transceiver 512 using local network 516; andtransceiver 510 can be communicably coupled to transceiver 513 usinglocal network 517. In certain example embodiments, the use of the localnetworks can eliminate the need for the antenna from transceiver 511,transceiver 512, and transceiver 513.

Each local network shown in FIG. 5 can be the same or different than theother local networks shown in FIG. 5. Further, the configuration of thelocal networks can vary. For example, the communication betweentransceiver 513 and transceiver 510 (and/or other non-adjacenttransceivers) can be indirect (e.g., from transceiver 513 to transceiver512 to transceiver 511 to transceiver 510). As a specific example, localnetwork 517 can encompass transceiver 512 and transceiver 513; localnetwork 516 can encompass transceiver 511 and transceiver 512; and localnetwork 515 can encompass transceiver 510 and transceiver 511.

The system 500 of FIG. 5 can be used in one or more of a number ofsituations. For example, the system 500 can be used in a shootingcompetition, when there is a need to have multiple transceiver unitsnear one another but far from the transceiver 525 and where there is aneed to control and/or receive information from a remote device(downrange device) (e.g., a remotely controllable target changer,weather sensors) that is located within a local network of atransceiver. In such a case, each transceiver unit in the system 500 canhave a its own local network.

In certain example embodiments, each local network associated with atransceiver unit allows the transceiver unit to communicate withtransceiver 510. Transceiver 510, in turn, communicates with thetransceiver 520 using the bridge network 550. A user can access thelocal network 525 of the transceiver 520 and send instructions to eachtransceiver to control a remote device (e.g., a camera, a targetchanger, a sensor, a relay) that is communicably coupled to one or moretransceivers. The system 500 of FIG. 5 can also be used to connect toand/or control additional network devices (e.g., remotely controllablerelays, weather sensors, lights, etc.) through the software of a remotedevice.

While the systems of FIGS. 4 and 5 show multiple transceivers in variousconfigurations, it may be possible to have multiple transceivers invarious other configurations, whether in series and/or in parallel witheach other, in a network configuration. In addition, or in thealternative, there can be a series of two or more transceivers, eachconnected by a bridge network. In such a case, a transceiver can alsoinclude one or more components of a transceiver.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device 600 (also calleda computer system) that can implement one or more of the varioustechniques described herein, and which may be representative, in wholeor in part, of the elements described herein. Computing device 600 isonly one example of a computing device and is not intended to suggestany limitation as to scope of use or functionality of the computingdevice and/or its possible architectures. Neither should computingdevice 600 be interpreted as having any dependency or requirementrelating to any one or combination of components illustrated in theexample computing device 600.

Computing device 600 includes one or more processors or processing units602, one or more memory/storage components 604, one or more input/output(I/O) devices 606, and a bus 608 that allows the various components anddevices to communicate with one another. Bus 608 represents one or moreof any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus ormemory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and aprocessor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. Bus608 can include wired and/or wireless buses.

Memory/storage component 604 represents one or more computer storagemedia. Memory/storage component 604 may include volatile media (such asrandom access memory (RAM)) and/or nonvolatile media (such as read onlymemory (ROM), flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, and soforth). Memory/storage component 604 can include fixed media (e.g., RAM,ROM, a fixed hard drive, etc.) as well as removable media (e.g., a Flashmemory drive, a removable hard drive, an optical disk, and so forth).

One or more I/O devices 606 allow a customer, utility, or other user toenter commands and information to computing device 600, and also allowinformation to be presented to the customer, utility, or other userand/or other components or devices. Examples of input devices include,but are not limited to, a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., amouse), a microphone, and a scanner. Examples of output devices include,but are not limited to, a display device (e.g., a monitor or projector),speakers, a printer, and a network card.

Various techniques may be described herein in the general context ofsoftware or program modules. Generally, software includes routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, and so forth thatperform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Animplementation of these modules and techniques may be stored on ortransmitted across some form of computer readable media. Computerreadable media may be any available non-transitory medium ornon-transitory media that can be accessed by a computing device. By wayof example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise“computer storage media”.

“Computer storage media” and “computer readable medium” include volatileand non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such as computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, computerrecordable media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other opticalstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used tostore the desired information and which can be accessed by a computer.

The computer device 600 may be connected to a network (not shown) (e.g.,a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as theInternet, or any other similar type of network) via a network interfaceconnection (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatmany different types of computer systems exist (e.g., desktop computer,a laptop computer, a personal media device, a mobile device, such as acell phone or personal digital assistant, or any other computing systemcapable of executing computer readable instructions), and theaforementioned input and output means may take other forms, now known orlater developed. Generally speaking, the computer system 600 includes atleast the minimal processing, input, and/or output means necessary topractice one or more embodiments.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or moreelements of the aforementioned computer device 600 may be located at aremote location and connected to the other elements over a network.Further, one or more embodiments may be implemented on a distributedsystem having a plurality of nodes, where each portion of theimplementation (e.g., communication engine 250, protection circuit 310,remote device 240) may be located on a different node within thedistributed system. In one or more embodiments, the node corresponds toa computer system. Alternatively, the node may correspond to a processorwith associated physical memory. The node may alternatively correspondto a processor with shared memory and/or resources.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method 700 for providing downrangeinformation in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. FIG. 8shows a flowchart of a method 800 for controlling a downrange device inaccordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. While the varioussteps in these flowcharts are presented and described sequentially, oneof ordinary skill will appreciate that some or all of the steps may beexecuted in different orders, may be combined or omitted, and some orall of the steps may be executed in parallel. Further, in one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments of the invention, one or more of the stepsdescribed below may be omitted, repeated, and/or performed in adifferent order. In addition, a person of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that additional steps, omitted in FIG. 7 and/or FIG. 8, maybe included in performing one or both of these methods. Accordingly, thespecific arrangement of steps shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 should not beconstrued as limiting the scope of the invention. Further, one or moresteps in this method 700 and/or method 800 can be performed using acomputing device, as described above with respect to FIG. 6.

With respect to the method 700 of FIG. 7, referring to FIGS. 1-7,downrange information is collected in step 702. The downrangeinformation can be collected using a first remote device 240. Thedownrange information can be collected by the first remote device 240based on instructions from a user, on a continuous basis, based on theoccurrence of some event (e.g., motion sensing, passage of time), orbased on some other factor.

In step 704, the downrange information collected by the first remotedevice 240 is transmitted from the first remote device 240 to atransceiver unit 110. More specifically, the downrange informationcollected by the first remote device 240 can be transmitted from thefirst remote device 240 to the communication engine 250 of thetransceiver unit 110. The downrange information can be transmitted fromthe first remote device 240 to a transceiver unit 110 using a localnetwork 115.

In step 706, the downrange information is wirelessly transmitted fromthe transceiver unit 110 to a transceiver unit 120. In certain exampleembodiments, the downrange information is wirelessly transmitted using abridge network 150. An antenna 260 coupled to the communication engine250 of the transceiver 110 and/or an antenna 360 coupled to thecommunication engine 350 of the transceiver 120 can be used to directthe bridge network 150.

In step 708, the downrange information is transferred from thetransceiver unit 120 to a smart device 130. In certain exampleembodiments, the downrange information is transferred using a secondlocal network 125. The downrange information can be processed using anapplication on the smart device 130. The remote device 140 can be one ormore of a number of devices. Similarly, the downrange information can beone or more of a number of types of information. For example, the remotedevice 240 can be an image capturing device, and the downrangeinformation can be an image of a target.

In certain example embodiments, additional steps may be involved in themethod 700. For example, instructions can be sent from the smart device130 to the remote device 240. The instructions can cause the remotedevice 240 to respond in one or more of a number of ways. For example,the instructions can direct the remote device 240 to collect thedownrange information, change direction, and turn on/off. Theinstructions can be sent from the smart device 130 to the remote device240 using the second local network 125, the bridge network 150, and thefirst local network 115,

Information captured by one or more remote devices can be compared toeach other and/or, from a single device, can be compared over time. Forexample, for when the remote device 240 is an image capturing device,and the downrange information is an image of a target, a subsequentimage captured by the image capturing device 240 can be transmitted fromthe image capturing device to the transceiver unit 110 using the firstlocal network 125. Then, the subsequent image of the target can bewirelessly transmitted, using the bridge network 150, from thetransceiver unit 110 to the transceiver unit 120. Then, the subsequentimage can be transferred, using the second local network 115, from thetransceiver unit 120 to the smart device 130. In such a case, theapplication on the smart device 130 can detect and display a changebetween the image and the subsequent image.

With respect to the method 800 of FIG. 8, referring to FIGS. 1-6 and 8,instructions are sent from the smart device 130 to the transceiver unit420 in step 802. The instructions can be sent using an application on asmart device 130 and using a first local network 125. In step 804, theinstructions can be wirelessly transmitted from the transceiver unit 120to a first transceiver unit 110. The instructions can be transmittedusing a bridge network 150. In certain example embodiments, thetransceiver unit 120 can be located remotely from the first transceiverunit 110.

In step 806, the instructions are sent from the first transceiver unit110 to the downrange device 240. The instructions can be sent using asecond local network 115. In certain example embodiments, the downrangedevice can be controlled using the instructions.

In certain example embodiments, additional instructions can be sent,either to the same remote device or to a different remote device. If theadditional instructions are sent to a different remote device, suchdifferent remote device can be communicably coupled to the same or adifferent transmitting unit. For example, in a system 500 such as shownin FIG. 5 above, subsequent instructions can be sent, using theapplication on the smart device 130 and the first local network 525,from the smart device 130 to the transceiver unit 520. Then, thesubsequent instructions can be wirelessly transmitted, using the bridgenetwork 550, from the transceiver unit 520 to the first transceiver unit510.

The subsequent instructions can then be sent, using a third localnetwork 515, from the first transceiver unit 510 to a second transceiverunit 511, where the first transceiver unit 510 and the secondtransceiver unit 511 are located proximate to each other. The subsequentinstructions can then be sent from the second transceiver unit 511 to anadditional downrange device that is communicably coupled to the secondtransceiver unit 511. The additional downrange device can be controlledusing the subsequent instructions.

As discussed above, more than one remote device (either communicablycoupled to the same or a different transceiver 110) can be used toprovide downrange information and/or control a downrange device. Forexample, the method 700 can include sending, using the second localnetwork, the bridge network, and the first local network, subsequentinstructions from the smart device to a second remote device, where thesubsequent instructions direct the second remote device to perform afunction.

The systems, methods, and apparatuses described herein allow a user toremotely communicate with one or more remote devices. Specifically,example embodiments allow a user, through a smart device, to use a localnetwork at a transceiver to send and/or receive data (information) withone or more remote devices using a wireless bridge network. The remotedevice can be communicably coupled with a transceiver using anotherlocal network.

Example embodiments can allow a user to save time, resources, and energyby not having to be in the area of the remote device to perform anaction and/or receive information. Example embodiments can also providereal-time information to a user relative to the remote locations wherethe remote devices are located. The remote locations using exampleembodiments can be one mile or more. Further, example embodiments allowfor easy installation, maintenance, and disassembly.

Although embodiments described herein are made with reference to exampleembodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications are well within the scope and spirit of thisdisclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exampleembodiments described herein are not limited to any specificallydiscussed application and that the embodiments described herein areillustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the exampleembodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggestthemselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing otherembodiments using the present disclosure will suggest themselves topractitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the exampleembodiments is not limited herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a first transceiver unitcomprising a first communication engine that controls a first localnetwork, wherein the first transceiver unit is positioned at a firstlocation; a first remote device communicably coupled, using the firstlocal network, to the first transceiver unit, wherein the first remotedevice is located within a first range of the first local network; asecond transceiver unit comprising a second communication engine thatcontrols a second local network, wherein the second transceiver unit ispositioned at a second location; a smart device comprising anapplication that is communicably coupled, using the second localnetwork, to the second transceiver unit, wherein the smart device islocated within a second range of the second local network, and whereinthe smart device is physically separated from the second transceiverunit; and a bridge network formed by the first transceiver unit and thesecond transceiver unit, wherein the bridge network wirelessly joins thefirst local network and the second local network, wherein the firstlocal network and the second local network are wireless networks.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the first transceiver unit further comprisesa first antenna, wherein the second transceiver unit further comprises asecond antenna, and wherein the first antenna and the second antenna aredirected toward each other to extend the bridge network.
 3. The systemof claim 2, wherein the first location and the second location are lessthan one mile apart.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the bridgenetwork uses wireless fidelity technology.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the first remote device is an image capturing device, andwherein the smart device controls a zoom and a direction of the imagecapturing device using the second local network, the bridge network, andthe first local network.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the firsttransceiver unit further comprises a laser to assist in directing theimage capturing device.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the secondtransceiver unit further comprises a jack for charging the smart device,wherein the jack is built into a carrying case of the second transceiverunit.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first remote device performsan active function based on signals received from the smart devicethrough the second local network, the bridge network, and the firstlocal network.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first remote deviceperforms a passive function based on signals received from the smartdevice through the second local network, the bridge network, and thefirst local network.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: athird transceiver unit comprising a third communication engine thatcontrols a third local network, wherein the third transceiver unit ispositioned at a third location; and a second remote device communicablycoupled, using the third local network, to the third transceiver unit,wherein the bridge network wirelessly communicably couples the thirdtransceiver transmitter unit to the receiver unit, and wherein the thirdlocal network is a wireless network.
 11. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a third transceiver unit comprising a third communicationengine that communicably couples, using the first local network, thethird transceiver unit to the first transceiver unit; and a secondremote device communicably coupled, using the first local network, tothe third transceiver unit, wherein the third transceiver unit ispositioned in a third location that is within range of the first localnetwork.
 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a fourthtransceiver unit comprising a fourth communication engine thatcommunicably couples, using a third local network, the fourthtransceiver unit to the first transceiver unit; and a third remotedevice communicably coupled, using the third local network, to thefourth transceiver unit, wherein the third local network is a wirelessnetwork.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the first remote device ispart of the first transceiver unit.
 14. A method for providing downrangeinformation, comprising: collecting, using a first remote device, thedownrange info nation; transmitting, using a first local networkgenerated by a first transceiver unit, the downrange informationcollected by the first remote device from the first remote device to thefirst transceiver unit, wherein the first remote device is locatedwithin a first range of the first local network; wirelesslytransmitting, using a bridge network, the downrange information from thefirst transceiver unit to a second transceiver unit, wherein the bridgenetwork is formed by the first transceiver unit and the secondtransceiver unit, wherein the bridge network wirelessly joins the firstlocal network and the second local network; and transferring, using asecond local network generated by the second transceiver unit, thedownrange information to a smart device, wherein the smart device islocated within a second range of the second local network, wherein thesmart device is physically separated from the second transceiver unit,and wherein the downrange information is processed using an applicationon the smart device.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:sending, using the second local network, the bridge network, and thefirst local network, instructions from the smart device to the firstremote device, wherein the instructions direct the first remote deviceto collect the downrange information.
 16. The method of claim 14,wherein the first remote device is an image capturing device, andwherein the downrange information is an image of a target.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, further comprising: transmitting, using the firstlocal network, a subsequent image captured by the image capturing devicefrom the image capturing device to the first transceiver unit;wirelessly transmitting, using the bridge network, the subsequent imageof the target from the first transceiver unit to the second transceiverunit; and transferring, using the second local network, the subsequentimage from the second transceiver unit to the smart device, wherein theapplication on the smart device detects and displays a change betweenthe image and the subsequent image.
 18. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising: sending, using the second local network, the bridge network,and the first local network, subsequent instructions from the smartdevice to a second remote device, wherein the subsequent instructionsdirect the second remote device to perform a function.
 19. A method forcontrolling a downrange device, the method comprising: sending, using anapplication on a smart device and a first local network, instructionsfrom the smart device to a first transceiver unit, wherein the smartdevice is located within a first range of the first local network, andwherein the smart device is physically separated from the firsttransceiver unit; wirelessly transmitting, using a bridge network, theinstructions from the first transceiver unit to a second transceiverunit, wherein the first transceiver unit is located remotely from thesecond transceiver unit; and sending, using a second local network, theinstructions from the second transceiver unit to the downrange device,wherein the downrange device is located within a second range of thesecond local network, wherein the bridge network is formed by the firsttransceiver unit and the second transceiver unit, wherein the bridgenetwork wirelessly joins the first local network and the second localnetwork, and wherein the downrange device is controlled using theinstructions.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: sending,using the application on the smart device and the first local network,subsequent instructions from the smart device to the first transceiverunit; wirelessly transmitting, using the bridge network, the subsequentinstructions from the first transceiver unit to the second transceiverunit; sending, using a third local network, the subsequent instructionsfrom the second transceiver unit to a third transceiver unit, whereinthe second transceiver unit and the third transceiver unit are locatedproximate to each other; and sending the subsequent instructions fromthe third transceiver unit to an additional downrange device, whereinthe additional downrange device is controlled using the subsequentinstructions.